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Alumnus Elevates UCF Nationwide
Orlando resident Louis Rotundo, ’73, ’75, has been influential in shaping local legislation. He began the political effort, drafted the legislation and secured the funding for SunRail and has worked with some of the most prominent elected officials in Florida over the last forty years. He is also a proud University of Central Florida graduate. […]
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Legacy Alumna Credits UCF Opportunities for Success
Angie Lander grew up in a University of Central Florida family. Her father went to UCF and passed along his school spirit to her. When the time came for Lander to go to college, her choice was an easy one. “I toured the campus and felt at home,” Lander said. “I didn’t know what I […]
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COS Celebrates Fall 2016 Grads
On Friday, December 16, 2016 the University of Central Florida’s College of Sciences celebrated more than 1,000 students graduating from the college. The college hosted its traditional graduation reception immediately following the afternoon ceremony for its graduates to celebrate with their faculty, friends and family. The event, held in the UCF Psychology Building, hosted more […]
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From First Gen To Family Tradition
Story by Jenna Marina, UCF Alumni As a UCF Alumni board member, season ticket holder, Oviedo resident and occasional guest lecturer, Ryan Vescio ’02 visits UCF’s campus more than most. And when the assistant state attorney returns, his three children are frequently in tow. Ella, 10, Sophia, 9, and Owen, 5, are big fans […]
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Political Science Alumnus Strives for Service
University of Central Florida Department of Political Science alumnus Anthony Velardi, ’15, has always focused on the big picture. He came to UCF from his small hometown of Port St. Lucie because it offers a program in International and Global Studies. He was also drawn to the university’s reputation as being one of the most […]
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2016 30 Under 30
The 2016 30 Under 30 class gathered to be honored Saturday at FAIRWINDS Alumni Center during the Indoor Tailgate. They then were recognized on the field at Bright House Networks Stadium during the football game. This incredible group of individuals includes 12 alumni of the College of Sciences. Amanda Booz, ’13, Nicholson School of Communication Ms. Booz […]
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UCF Prepares Alumnus for Life in Law
University of Central Florida alumnus Bennett Lessmann, ’07, is a partner at his own law firm in Boca Raton, Florida. Law Offices of Kleinman & Lessmann focuses on personal injury and medical malpractice cases, with Lessmann using skills that he gained from UCF in every facet of his work. “My UCF degrees helped tremendously in […]
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UCF Alumna is an Ally to Orlando
At eleven years old Nilmarie Zapata, ’07, ’09, moved from Puerto Rico to Central Florida with her family. Since then, she has become a leader in the Central Florida community. Zapata earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in public administration from the University of Central Florida. One of the main differences […]
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UCF Alumnus Heads to Rio for Fourth Paralympics
Story by Jenna Marina, UCF Alumni Today When UCF Political Science alumnus Chris Seilkop, ’92, was named to his first Paralympics roster in 1996, his family was ecstatic. As Seilkop gears up for his fourth Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this month – securing his place in history as Team USA’s first four-time, men’s sitting […]
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COS Distinguished Alumni Award Winner 2016: Carol Lawrence
Not many University of Central Florida graduates can say that they knew the esteemed John T. Washington, UCF’s first African-American faculty member. Alumna Carol Lawrence, ’71, and her husband, Jim Lawrence, ’71, had him officiate their wedding. “The late Dr. John Washington for whom the ‘old’ UCF student union building is named was a […]
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Political Science Alumnus Lays Down the Law
UCF Political Science alumnus Peter Strand, ’08, attributes his successful law practices to the instrumental faculty and work ethic acquired during his time at UCF. When the former army veteran decided to make the move to Florida to take care of a family member, he considered several Florida universities to pursue his degree. Ultimately, UCF’s faculty sparked […]
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Alumna Leads $6 Million Fundraising Effort for Pulse Victims
UCF alumna Ida V. Eskamani, ’12, ’16, serves as a development officer for Equality Florida in Orlando where she is currently managing what she describes as the most important task of her career. Following the shooting at Pulse Nightclub, Equality Florida launched a Go Fund Me page for the victims’ families and survivors. Eskamani launched […]
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‘Most Powerful’ List Features COS Alumni
Story by UCF Today Several UCF College of Sciences alumni were listed on Orlando magazine’s 2016 list of the region’s 50 most powerful people. The July edition of the magazine for the first time divides the 13th-annual list into categories, ranging from government and politics to philanthropy and community voices. In GOVERNMENT and POLITICS, Marcos […]
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Political Science Alumna Finds Passion in the People
With four UCF degrees and one on the way, UCF Political Science alumna, Anna Eskamani, ’12, ’15, has long time found a home at UCF. After graduating in 2012 with two bachelor degrees in Political Science and Interdisciplinary Studies, Eskamani went on to earn two master’s degrees in both Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from […]
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COS Celebrates its New Alumni
The UCF College of Sciences continued the tradition of honoring its graduates with a post-ceremony reception jointly hosted by the college and its academic departments. The reception was held in the UCF Psychology building immediately following the college’s spring commencement ceremony on Friday, May 6, 2016. More than 1,200 College of Sciences’ graduates walked at […]
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UCF Alumnus Encourages Higher Ed
Mark Perez, ’04, ’07, says his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from UCF have been essential to his career. From its influential faculty to its countless opportunities, UCF has played a major role in his professional development. Perez learned the significance of higher education while at UCF and carried that lesson to his […]
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Political Science Alumna Credits UCF Diversity
Diversity is what brought Susan Revello, ’83, to UCF and after 27 years in the public relations sector, she still credits her success to the diverse opportunities her political science degree provided her. Revello is the president and owner of FORWARD Florida media, a digital media company covering economic development that also produces an award-winning magazine. FORWARD […]
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UCF Alumnus Klinks Drinks to Doorsteps
Craig Bolz, ’14, clearly remembers the moment his company, Klink, closed its first deal. After months of hard work and financial investment into building his company, the day they partnered with a liquor store on deliveries was an unforgettable day. Bolz is founding partner and chief operating officer of Klink, the mobile app and website […]
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Political Science Alumna Builds Trust through UCF Degree
Courtney Barnard, ’14, says her master’s degree in political science from UCF builds connections and trust in life after graduation. The alumna was actively involved at UCF and continues to make a positive impact in the Orlando community. As Director of Government Affairs for the Florida Apartment Association, Barnard is the head policy advisor […]
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UCF Alumni Honors 30 under 30
Story by Angie Lewis, UCF Alumni Association The UCF Alumni Association was proud to host its inaugural 30 under 30 awards dinner Friday, Nov. 20, honoring the outstanding achievements of 30 successful Knights. Nine of the 30 alumni awarded are graduates from the UCF College of Sciences. Young alumni currently make up one-third of UCF’s […]
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COS Distinguished Alumni Award Winner 2015: Ybeth Bruzual
Ybeth Bruzual, ’05, graduated from UCF with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Since then, Bruzual has demonstrated an exceptional multi-media journalism career and dedication to her alma mater. Due to her accomplishments, Bruzual was nominated and honored as the 2015 Political Science Outstanding AlumKnight awardee at the inaugural ceremony this year. You will most […]
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Political Science Alumnus Means Business
Eddie Bradley, ’04, graduated from UCF with dual bachelor’s degrees in political science and legal studies. While you wouldn’t think you could have a career like Bradley with these degrees, the business acumen that he ultimately developed is a direct result of his educational foundation in dealing and communicating with people, as well as navigating […]
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Double Degrees Make for Well-Rounded Career
Jeffrey Billman, ’01, ’10, earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s degree in political science from UCF. Billman says his political science degree has given him a deeper sense of the political and policy spheres, making him an immensely better writer, especially regarding politics. Billman’s bachelor’s degree in journalism provided the fundamentals for his […]
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UCF Alumna Makes International Strides in Higher Ed
Talia Popovski, ’04, ’06, thanks UCF for her professional development during and after her time at UCF. Popovski graduated from UCF with her bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in public administration. She remains actively involved with UCF as the incoming vice chair of the UCF College of Sciences Alumni Chapter board of […]
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Orlando Magazine’s 2015 Most-Powerful List Includes COS Alumni
Several University of Central Florida leaders and successful alumni were named this week in the Orlando Magazine 2015 list of the 50 most powerful people in the region. Three of which are UCF College of Sciences alumni. The 12th annual list is made up of leaders in politics, business, education, sports, health, philanthropy and other fields. […]
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UCF Leads Alumna to a Career in Global Law
Callie Carr, ’04, made the most of her time at UCF. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree in political science, she served as president of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, competed on UCF’s mock trial team, and graduated with summa cum laude. Currently, she works as associate general counsel for Micron Technology, […]
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UCF Political Science Alumna Crowned Miss Florida World America 2015
Last month, UCF political science alumna, Kailyn Perez, ’13, was crowned the first-ever Miss Florida World America 2015 in the newly-formed pageant. The Tampa native started at UCF in 2010, majoring in political science, while also working as a freelance model. During her time at UCF, Perez was involved in the Student Government Association, taking […]
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Alumna Follows Passion from Coast to Coast
Dr. Jenna Tosh, ’04, ’08, ’14, says her master degree in political science from UCF prepared her for her Ph.D. program in public affairs in more ways than one. Now, after working for Planned Parenthood of Greater Orlando for eight years, Dr. Tosh has moved to the west coast. She currently serves as president & […]
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UCF Grad Invests Political Background in Finance
Todd Scholl, ’97, says his political science degree from UCF has been valuable to his career working in investment banking and corporate finance and dealing with nationalized companies outside of the U.S. “Having an understanding of international government’s processes and policies allowed me to speak the same language and appreciate some of the challenges they […]
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UCF Knight to U.S. Air Force Colonel
Colonel David J. Martinson, ’92, was commissioned in the Air Force after graduating with his B.A. in political science and history from UCF in 1992. Twenty-three years later, Colonel Martinson has been honored with many medals, awards, and degrees. His current responsibilities are as the Air Force’s senior space and cyberspace intelligence officer at the […]